Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1887-01-24
FAIRNESS AND EoUEsy.

The Tevysy Adopted Graded Plan of
Assessment of the Masonic E8utuaI
Benefit AssocIation-Nyhy Adopted.
TO The Editor of the JOURNAL AND COURIER:
In order to correct any misapprehension
which may arise among those most interest
ed from the recent publication of Mr.. L. B.
Human entitled, ''Some criticisms by a
brother on the plan for assessments in the
Masonic Mutual Benefit association" of this
city,I wishto advise the brethren who belong
to said association not to be misled in this
matter by theories and fancies, but to con-
slider it in its true light. The systematized
features of the Ancient Order of Masonry
called the a. NJ. r. a. is of recent origin. It
has done good work, and its promoters and
supporters are proud of it. These brethren
wish to perpetuate it. How shall it be ac-
compIished, and what is the best method of
SO doing? These questions have been Only
considered, and the assessment plan has been
legally adopted at stated annual meeting,
OF which due notice given by more than
TWO thirds Of the directors present and vot-
ing. Is it fair and equitable to alls Brother
Hinman says no!
rs simply one of the older member and
one who never attended meeting of the di-
rectors, answer, yes! The new departure is
both fair and equitable. Why SO? Because
(and we wish to emphasize this point an ex-
perience of thirteen years has demonstrated
the fact that this charitable feature of our an
cient and beloved order must be placed on a
practical basis in order to perpetuate it SO
that those who are favored with long life
may realize an estate from it which may COM
pensate somewhat their charities to others
Now let us reason together. Why was II nee
essary to change our bases The fol
Low 10 &ho hos ,Nf 1aCA
years experience will tell the story.
The assessments in 1886 were $50 to each
member; the benefit 81, 900. Now there are
over 1000 members and the average mem
Der cannot live thirty years. Taking 1000
members basis (for a larger number
means a correspondingly larger mortality
and we have this problem to tace:
Aggregats expenses for thirty years.. $4,000
Total amount to be raised. ......... 81, ocO 900
1900 members paying $50 each year for ~, ooo
thirty years 1.oOoUpu
Deficiency to be met s. 26o Ooo
This is conclusive argument in favor of the
support of the wisdom of our directors in
adopting the graded assessment plan. There
is greater liability to be provided for and
why not place it where it belongs? Suppose
a building for factory use be built next your
dwelling, would not the fire insurance com
pany increase your rate? and does it not cost
more to insure the old than the young? Is it
not fair and equitable for every member to
contribute in proportion to the risk main
tanned? Now who has been a member
of the NJ III. B. Z. since the second year of
its adoption 1 fail to see the propriety of
''kickidg' at fair aud equitable methods
legally adopted for its perpetuity. L also
fail to see any freezing out process" The
circular to which Mr.. H. refers distinctly
states that ALL can take membership in
both classes if they wish, making 50. 900.
1.-The older members are not put into a
class by themselves" Yet, if they would
perpetuate this truly charitable feature of
our beloved order, they must do it on a fair
| and equitable basis If my explanation of
the position be understood, then 1 am sure
| there will be no need of calling q special
meeting to consider or reconsider. I wish to
| say this, however: / have never before used
| the press to air my opinions, and 1 regret
| that much is being published in these days
| that the public have no business with, but
history, from Genesis to Revelation, and
since, has furnished men who would not lis
ten to reason nor yield to proper authority.
| From all such Good Lord deliver u.s."
| AN OLD PAST MASTER.